Truthy truthiness from the Halls of Reality

I was thinking about social proof the other day. The fact that much of our behaviour is determined by what other people are doing around us.

We all have to start somewhere, stop comparing yourself to other people.

Yes, it is – and social experiments have shown this to be the case, although we never realise what persuaded us to take the action.

With this in mind, I was feeling under great pressure when I was thinking about how to persuade people to subscribe to my podcasts… until, on my way back from trapeze class tonight, I realised I was being a dick. And that there’s a lot of bullshit floating around out there.

There are plenty of ethical, worthy, ice-cool experts out there to listen to (and I’m signed up on the email lists of a fair few of them)… But there are also shiny-suited liars who’ll fudge the figures ten ways to Sunday to make themselves look more popular and successful than they actually are.

Which was when I realised something: if you have the figures, shout about them. Do it.

But everyone starts somewhere.

And I’ve only been recording my podcasts for about a year – so of course I’m not going to have a huge instant audience. Truth be told, I’ve no idea how many subscribers I have – I haven’t figured out how to find out from iTunes yet. And the iTunes listener figures don’t mean too much because they track everything, including my visits and the ones my podcast guys make.

And you know what? It doesn’t fucking matter. Because they’re really good fun to record (Joe is funny). And the people who are listening are giving me great feedback. Like my subscriber Guy, who sent me this lovely email last night:

Just a quick one to say I’m really enjoying your Podcasts. looking forward to more episodes.

Here’s something to make you happy.

A single poppy

blowing in a field of wheat

your face in the crowd.

Which pretty much sums up premium business positioning… aside from the original intention.

How lovely is that?

Meanwhile, I’ll keep on podcasting because it’s damn good fun, and be content with the fact that my audience will grow and people do get great value from me. Which is what it’s all about. That, and gin, of course.

Interested in starting your own podcast? Not sure how to go about being truly you in your business? Never fear! I can help… Borrow My Brain over Skype and I’ll help you put together some achievable goals to get your business where you want it to be. Good eh?

Vicky Fraser is a copywriter, author, and entrepreneur. She really did run away with the circus… but when she’s not swinging from a trapeze, she’s showing other copywriters and small business owners how to work with better clients, make more money, and stop missing bathtimes, first words, and dinners with angry partners. In fact, she wrote the book on it. Get your copy here.